Meeting the Sinclare Brothers by Donna Fletcher

I’m delighted to be guest blogger today and a sincere thank you to Terry for inviting me. For those who aren’t familiar with me, I write Celtic historical romances. I’ve also written four paranormal books about a family of Celtic witches.

Being of Celtic descent I’ve always felt a connection to its history. I was lucky enough to have traveled to both Ireland and Scotland; though I must admit Scotland fascinated me the most. I actually got the idea for my witch books as I explored Edinburgh and ate lunch at a place called The Witchery, supposedly a spot where three hundred witches were burnt at the stake. But it was the land and its history that captured my imagination and sent it spinning. After that visit my penchant for writing about Highlanders soared and continues to do so.

With a sense of satisfaction and some sadness, I just completed the last book in my Sinclare brothers Highlander series. I’m already missing the four different brothers. They have dominated my life for the last two years and it’s hard to say good-bye to them.

I remember first meeting them, each one introducing themselves in their own distinct manner.

I knew as soon as I heard the pain that seemed to pulsate in Cavan Sinclare’s authoritative tone that he was a wounded warrior. His stoic manner and determined nature made him the perfect brother to eventually lead the clan Sinclare. And his caring, though suffering heart would make him a fair laird. He told me he wanted no help in healing and no wife to get in the way of his search for his youngest brother Ronan who had been captured with him in battle and separated soon after.

How did I reach this warrior who had hardened his heart and blamed himself for his brother’s plight? Naturally love was the only answer that made sense, even if he did protest against it. So I didn’t waste a minute, I married him to a woman he had once rejected for being too weak.

The day that Cavan Sinclare finally returned home was his wedding day. To say he was surprised is an understatement. To say he objected, a bigger understatement and it only got worse from there. But I knew that Honora Tannach was the woman for Cavan. After all, she was as wounded as he and together I knew they could heal each other and find love. And what a grand adventure it was for the perfect pair. You can read their love story in Return of the Rogue.

Artair Sinclare introduced himself far differently from his brother. He was intent and practical in all he told me, though honestly it was hard concentrating on what he was saying since he’s such a handsome man. I couldn’t focus on anything but his gorgeous features. I’m not saying that Cavan isn’t a good looking man in his own right, but Artair is just plain gorgeous. With his pragmatic nature he detailed the requisites he wanted in a wife. Once he was sure she fit his needs, he would wed her and was adamant that eventually love would follow. Now I couldn’t let this handsome hunk of man do that. He needed more than that; he needed to find love first and then he could wed. But where in heavens name would I find a woman that could make Artair forget sound reason and simply live and love?

Why being burnt at the stake for witchcraft of course!

Artair has no other choice but to save the beauty and healer Zia Black whose auburn locks had been sheared. He had been sent by his brother Cavan, now laird of the clan Sinclare, to find her. Word had been received that she had tended his brother Ronan and knew where he was. Feisty even in the face of death, Zia claims she does know where Ronan is, but informs Artair that he will have to take her there. Artair frees her and quickly loses his heart to the bewitching healer whose zest for life and love is anything but practical. And he often wonders if she is a witch since his desire for her grows by the day. You can read more about the unlikely pair in Under the Highlander’s Spell.

Lachlan was a sheer delight to meet. He’s the charmer of the four. And he believes himself handsomer than Artair and there’s no convincing him otherwise. You would think that was the case since the women flock to him, but I could easily understand why. He had me smiling and laughing and thoroughly enjoying his company in no time. I knew I’d have a good time writing about him He made it clear that he would find a wife when he was ready and that wasn’t anytime soon. He should have known better than to challenge me.

However, I pondered over what type of woman would do well with a charmer like Lachlan. Then suddenly his brother Cavan sent him on a mission not only to see if their brother was being held by a mercenary group in the area, but also to retrieve Alyce Bunnock from a convent to wed a man of her father’s choice. She’s known to be a hard woman to handle, a shrew, a sharp-tongued witch and that’s the nicer comments. I knew as soon as I heard about her she’d be perfect for Lachlan, but there’s a problem. It seems that when Lachlan reached Everagis Abbey he found that Alyce Bunnock had died and only five nuns had survived from the original group and they are led by Sister Terese, a much too beautiful woman to be a nun to Lachlan’s way of thinking. He often berates himself for desiring her, sure that he’s doomed to burn in the fires of hell over his lascivious thoughts. But Everagis Abbey holds many secrets and as Lachlan peels away each one he discovers that love strikes not only in the most unusual way, but when and where it pleases. Lachlan and Alyce’s story, The Angel and the Highlander will be in stores April 28, 2009.

Ronan Sinclare simply stole my heart. He is the youngest of the brothers, a boy who returns a man. His embittered voice told me much. Gone was his innocence and boyish appeal, replaced by a battled-hardened façade and scars to prove he’s a seasoned warrior. Also gone was the closeness he once shared with his family. He can’t return home to what once was, for that is no more. He is no more. He is someone else now. Unfortunately, he allows hatred and bitterness to rule. I knew he had to learn to forgive in order to ever be able to love. I knew from the beginning of the series the perfect woman for Ronan. The question was how could I ever get two enemies to learn to love one another. The answer came easily when I discovered that one wasn’t who I really thought she was. With revisions still to go on Ronan’s story, I don’t want to say anymore; except that I’m glad he’s finally home.

Ronan’s story is yet untitled and has a tentative release date of January 2010.

I hope you enjoyed meeting the Sinclare brothers. I’ve loved spending time with them and their mother Addie. She’s a wonderful woman who suffered a great loss. So naturally I had to have her find love again. And oh how her sons protested that!

If you have any questions for the four brothers ask away. They love to talk. But watch out for Lachlan. He’s a devil of a charmer. If you leave your question and email in the comment section you could have a chance to win Return of the Rogue, Under the Highalnder's Spell or a cover for The Angel and the Highlander.

A Celtic Blessing for all!
May you have,
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire

Much love
Donna